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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Safety Review

February 22, 2009

SAFETY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Good," frontal offset impact; "acceptable," side impact
IIHS

Four stars, driver front impact; five stars, passenger front impact; three stars, front side impact; four stars, rear side impact
NHTSA

The tall spoiler on the SS really restricts the view out back
Consumer Guide

Antilock brakes are standard on 2LT and SS models and optional on LS models
Cars.com

Small and cheap isn't usually the recipe for safety. That said, the Cobalt performs acceptably—though not especially well—in crash tests. Safety equipment is about what’s expected, but no more.

In independent crash tests, the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt garners middle-of-the-road ratings, though NHTSA scores vary somewhat depending on body style. Both the Chevrolet Cobalt coupe and sedan earn four stars for front impact driver protection and five for front impact passenger protection, but when it comes to front side impacts, the Chevrolet Cobalt coupe earns four stars and the sedan only three. However, in the rear side impact test, the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt sedan outscores the coupe five stars to four. In IIHS testing, both body styles earn the highest possible rating, "good," for frontal offset impacts and an "acceptable" rating for side impact protection.

The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt offers most of the usual safety features that consumers expect, at least in the higher-end trims—too bad these items aren’t standard. Cars.com states that "antilock brakes are standard on 2LT and SS models and optional on LS models," while "Cobalts with the automatic gearbox and antilock brakes also have traction control." Consumer Guide also reports that "traction control, [an] antiskid system, and curtain side airbags" are all available on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. Dual front airbags and a tire-pressure monitor are included on all 2009 Chevrolet Cobalts as well.

One crucial characteristic of a vehicle that will help reduce the risk of accidents is driver visibility, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the Chevrolet Cobalt excels in this regard. Kelley Blue Book says that the Cobalt features a "high seating position for a more commanding view of the road, and all-around visibility is impressive." However, the view from the Chevrolet Cobalt SS models isn't as impressive, and ConsumerGuide claims that "the tall spoiler on the SS coupe really restricts the view out back."

Conclusion

The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt offers decent crash-test ratings, but it lacks some standard safety equipment.

SAFETY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:Good," frontal offset impact; "acceptable," side impactIIHSFour stars, driver front impact; five stars, passenger front impact; three stars, front side impact; four stars, rear side impactNHTSAThe tall spoiler on the SS really restricts the view out backConsumer GuideAntilock brakes are standard on 2LT and SS models and optional on LS modelsCars.com Small and cheap isn't usually the recipe for safety. That said, the Cobalt performs acceptably—though not especially well—in crash tests. Safety equipment is about what’s expected, but no more. In independent crash tests, the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt garners middle-of-the-road ratings, though NHTSA scores vary somewhat depending on body style. Both the Chevrolet Cobalt coupe and sedan earn four stars for front impact driver protection and five for front impact passenger protection, but when it comes to front side impacts, the Chevrolet Cobalt coupe earns four stars and the sedan only three. However, in the rear side impact test, the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt sedan outscores the coupe five stars to four. In IIHS testing, both body styles earn the highest possible rating, "good," for frontal offset impacts and an "acceptable" rating for side impact protection. The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt offers most of the usual safety features that consumers expect, at least in the higher-end trims—too bad these items aren’t standard. Cars.com states that "antilock brakes are standard on 2LT and SS models and optional on LS models," while "Cobalts with the automatic gearbox and antilock brakes also have traction control." Consumer Guide also reports that "traction control, [an] antiskid system, and curtain side airbags" are all available on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. Dual front airbags and a tire-pressure monitor are included on all 2009 Chevrolet Cobalts as well. One crucial characteristic of a vehicle that will help reduce the risk of accidents is driver visibility, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the Chevrolet Cobalt excels in this regard. Kelley Blue Book says that the Cobalt features a "high seating position for a more commanding view of the road, and all-around visibility is impressive." However, the view from the Chevrolet Cobalt SS models isn't as impressive, and ConsumerGuide claims that "the tall spoiler on the SS coupe really restricts the view out back." ConclusionThe 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt offers decent crash-test ratings, but it lacks some standard safety equipment. 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT STYLING | [6 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "The interiors...are attractive, if rather basic" Cars.com: "Available Sport appearance package with spoiler, body molding, 17-inch wheels and other items" ConsumerGuide: "Neat, logical dashboard" For 2009, Chevrolet ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Nearly all of the Cobalt's rivals have been redesigned in recent years, and most of them offer a more desirable overall package. Although the Cobalt has a decent ride, many buyers will be happier with the crisper handling provided by the Honda Civic or Ford Focus. Like the Cobalt, the Ford Focus and Honda Civic are available in coupe or sedan versions; the Ford Focus was just restyled for 2008 and has a very refined, attractive, and quite roomy interior, while the Civic feels especially nimble and responsive on the road, though it's tight on backseat headroom. The Sentra, Elantra, and Corolla are each very well-designed small sedans, conservative and basic but more refined and just as roomy—and in the case of the Elantra, especially smooth and refined. All of these rivals have a better-appointed interior than the Cobalt.

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See the Chevrolet Cobalt in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

Comments (5 total)

  1. By Mark #1, Posted: 1/29/2009

    CobaltSSbuilder

    Ford focus does not compare with Cobalt's handling. See Nurburgring results.

  2. By  JennyBart #2, Posted: 4/17/2009

    Make-over needed but...

    Almost everyone agrees that the Chevy Cobalt drives really nice. Some known problems with the cylinders here and there, but at the low price, you get more than what you pay for if it comes to looks.

  3. By Trey #9, Posted: 7/27/2009

    With gas prices on the rise many Americans are adding small cars to their consideration list. Import brands like Honda and Toyota have long held the dominant position in the subcompact category, but what about buyers who prefer to shop the domestic brands? Enter the Chevrolet Cobalt, an American take on the small car.
    While previous small General Motors like the Chevy Cavalier might give you pause, the Chevrolet Cobalt is a different animal. Good fuel economy, attractive styling and high value make the Cobalt worthy of consideration.
    A quick look at the average number of days a Cobalt sits on the lot (around 60) suggests that good deals can be found if you make dealers compete. Tip: When you go into the dealership, use these magic words: "out the door price." It is the price you will pay after all fees, taxes, incentives, etc. The other prices are generally teaser rates. If you want the real deal, use this process: http://excarsalesman.typepad.com/cars/chevrolet-cobalt/

  4. By Mike Emerson #30, Posted: 8/19/2009

    OK, honestly.....
    I made it to the 2nd paragraph, and saw the term, base model and exciting visually.
    We need to get real. One thing I have learned by living in Huntsville, as compared to Detroit, is that people DO NOT CARE about visually exciting cars. These folks drive Camry's and Corolla's. Why? Utilitarianism. There are many down here that buy a white Camry, or Corolla, and just drive them, and refer to them like an appliance, such as the microwave, or a toaster. They wash them maybe twice per year, and only after a dusting of snow where the salt spray has been applied. Visually exciting? Whatever. How about a car that gets 40+ per gallon, has manual windows, and never, ever breaks down, EVER. Oh, and costs around 12K, out the door.
    The perfect appliance.

  5. By Freddy #31, Posted: 10/27/2009

    I just bought a 2009 Cobalt LS one month ago and I love it! Yes, it is pretty plain, but sure is a lot of fun to drive! Great gas mileage! Very comfortable and powerful little engine!

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